Remembering Mrs. Balvir Kaur Dhillon: A Trailblazer in Business, Community, and Education

November 29, 2023 by
Mrs. Balvir Kaur Dhillon
Mrs. Balvir Kaur Dhillon

The Sikh community in the West Midlands bids farewell to an extraordinary luminary, Mrs. Balvir Kaur Dhillon, whose passing has cast a solemn hue over the realms of business, community service, and education. As the founder and director of Golden Ethics, Mrs. Dhillon’s life was an exemplar of dedication, compassion, and leadership.

Mrs. Dhillon’s journey as a trailblazer in business development, leadership, and employability solutions began with the inception of Golden Ethics. Her consultancy firm was not just a business venture; it was a manifestation of her unwavering commitment to fostering innovative strategies and nurturing talent across hierarchies. Through spiritually sensitive training, coaching, and mentoring, she transcended conventional barriers, empowering individuals at every rung of the professional ladder to realise their fullest potential.

Yet, her impact extended far beyond the boardrooms and corporate landscapes. Mrs. Dhillon’s heartbeat for community development, reflected in her tireless efforts to fuel grassroots initiatives focused on capacity building, organisational development, and the sustainability of communities. Her tenure as a longstanding trustee on the Nishkam Civic Association (NCA) Board was marked by unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of service.

Bhai Sahib Professor Mohinder Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), extended heartfelt condolences, acknowledging Mrs. Dhillon’s selfless and pivotal role in advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within local and regional communities. Prof. Upkar Singh Pardesi, Chairman of NCA Board reflecting on their association since the early 1990s, illuminated her influential career in further and higher education. He emphasised her instrumental role in paving avenues for women to emerge as leaders and entrepreneurs in a landscape historically skewed against them.

Mrs. Dhillon’s multi-faceted engagements as a Board Member/Director, Executive Coach, Associate Consultant, and TV presenter on healthcare issues in the Sikh community in the UK reflected her expansive influence and dedication to various causes.

The trustees of Nishkam Centre and Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha conveyed their deep condolences and expressed profound gratitude to Mrs. Dhillon’s family for her unwavering commitment to selflessly serving the communities in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Mrs. Balvir Kaur Dhillon’s legacy transcends mere words. Her life, a testament to unwavering dedication and passionate pursuit of social justice and progress, has left an indelible mark on the fabric of our communities. She will forever be remembered as an advocate, and a catalyst for change.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Dhillon’s Family, Friends and Sangat (Congregation).

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Nishkam Civic Associations Apprenticeships Provision Receives “Good” Ofsted Rating

October 19, 2023 by
Ofsted

The Nishkam Civic Association (NCA) is thrilled to announce that its Apprenticeships provision has been awarded an overall “Good” rating by Ofsted in its first full inspection conducted in September. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision of all those involved in the leadership, governance, development, delivery, and management of NCA’s values-led provision for local communities.

 Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh KSG OBE, Founder and Life President, NCA

NCA, which initiated its Apprenticeships provision in May 2021, is proud to have received a “Good” rating across all inspection categories. The NCA Board of Trustees and the senior management team extend their heartfelt gratitude to every member of the apprenticeships team, employers, learners, tutors, and assessors for their unwavering commitment and passion in achieving this outstanding outcome.

Inspectors commended NCA’s leadership, stating, “Leaders have a clear strategic intent. They have carefully selected apprenticeships to meet employers’ needs and the core values of NCA. They focus their work on people in the local community who are furthest away from the job market to support progression into work.”

The Founder and Life President of NCA, Bhai Sahib (Dr) Bhai Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia OBE KSG,welcomed the positive report and said: “In 2019, A small group of dedicated and selfless volunteers established a working group to expand and diversify our education and training provision to include values-led apprenticeships. Designed in partnership with employers and external stakeholders, this provision is important to us strategically in supporting the skills and training needs of key employers and the locality. I am indebted to everyone at NCA for embarking on a challenging journey and on achieving the Ofsted judgement and a major milestone.”

Prof. Upkar Singh Pardesi
Chairman, Nishkam Civic Association    

Prof. Upkar Singh Pardesi, Chairman of NCA Board of Trustees, expressed his delight at the inspection results, saying, “We are absolutely delighted that in our recent first full Ofsted inspection over three days, we have been judged to be good overall. This excellent outcome is testament to the expertise of our staff and the quality of education, experience, and support we provide to learners from all communities in Birmingham. I extend my congratulations to all our stakeholders and the team that worked so very hard under the direction and leadership of Sanjeev Ohri, Director of Education, Training, and Apprenticeships.”

Ajit Singh Director, Nishkam Civic Association   

Ajit Singh, NCA Centre Director said: “We know that we must continue to make improvements to all our systems, processes, curriculum, learner support, and employer engagement. The Board, working with key stakeholders, is in the process of developing a medium-term strategic plan for the apprenticeships provision with the aim of making significant investments. Our shared vision is to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted Judgement in the near future and for us to become a highly successful and reputable provider of values-led education and work-based education in the city.”

The NCA community remains committed to its core values and to providing the best possible education and support to learners and employers, setting its sights on reaching new heights of excellence in the near future.

ENDS

The NCA community remains committed to its core values and to providing the best possible education and support to learners and employers, setting its sights on reaching new heights of excellence in the near future.

For media inquiries, please contact: info@ncauk.org

Media Contact Information: Ajit Singh 0121 515 4229

Notes to Editors

About Nishkam Civic Association:

The Nishkam Civic Centre (NCA) is a leading provider of values-led education and work-based education in Birmingham. NCA is committed to supporting local communities, employers, and learners, ensuring they receive the highest quality education and apprenticeship programs. NCA’s dedicated team is driven by a shared vision of excellence, aiming to become an “Outstanding” provider in the City. For more information, please visit our website.

About NCA Apprenticeships:

The Nishkam Apprenticeship programme delivers values-led qualifications ranging from GCSE to degree level. We do this to support organisations & students to thrive by co-designing programmes to meet current and future needs that will uplift individuals, communities and organisations. We hope by providing education, training and apprenticeships we can unlock the potential of individuals to help them secure well-paying and fulfilling jobs that in turn will help them make a positive contribution to society.

Link to OFSTED REPORT – https://tinyurl.com/NCA-Ofsted-Report

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Handsworth Unites in Celebrating the King’s Coronation Through Community Cohesion Day

May 8, 2023 by

Birmingham’s Handsworth neighbourhood came alive on May 7th, 2023, as residents, community members, and council and faith leaders from all walks of life gathered to celebrate peace, unity, and the Coronation of His Majesty the King. The Community Cohesion Day focused around the Big Help Out, bringing local services and organisations together to volunteer their time for the community. It also included The Big Lunch, celebrating with the Lord Lieutenant and other distinguished guests.

The Handsworth Community Cohesion Day was a free event organised by neighbourhood volunteers led by Nishkam volunteers, that took place at Soho Road, Handsworth, from 10am to 6pm. The event was designed to promote peace and cohesion across the neighbourhood, while also addressing inequalities. It was an opportunity for people to come together, learn from each other, and work towards creating a more cohesive and peaceful community.

The day was filled with fun activities, including children’s sports and games, art projects and exhibitions, free health checks, and wellbeing talks. Attendees enjoyed performances and presentations, a petting zoo, and delicious vegetarian food, drinks, and snacks all day long. One of the main attractions were rides on a working model steam engine train, brought and driven by Davinder Singh from Bristol.

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Tina Francis, a local Hockley resident said: “The event is fantastic because there has been lots of information about health. It is interesting that because we are in quite a densely populated area people are more likely to have different diseases than if they were living further afield. There has been a lot of public health promotion, especially looking at diabetes and heart health. However, today has also been about seeing the heart of the community and looking at each other’s heart and caring for that.”

The Handsworth Community Cohesion Day was not just about having fun. It was also an opportunity to combat social isolation and loneliness by participating in The Big Lunch initiative, created by the charity Eden Project Communities in 2009. The Lord Lieutenant Sir John Crabtree and Birmingham City Council Leader Ian Ward were among the VIP guests who joined the Coronation Big Lunch and presentations.

Tarandeep Kaur, a Handsworth resident said, “I think the Kings coronation is really special and for some it’s a once in a lifetime event that brings communities together and encourages much needed interaction. Handsworth celebrations have brought necessary services to the community, like public health checks and engaging children’s activities. These days we all seem to sit on screens so seeing smiling community members, in person, has brightened up the day.”

Making a memorable entrance on a model steam train, Lord Lieutenant Sir John Crabtree was cheered and welcomed by the Handsworth community. Speaking at the event he said:

“I think the clear message [of the coronation ceremony] was that [this is] a modern Britain with a new king… He sees himself not just as a defender of the Anglican faith, but as a defender of all faiths, and I’m sure that’s what we’re going to see going forward.”

The Lord Lieutenant also read a message from HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the occasion, “Both my wife and I are enormously grateful to all the communities, families, neighbours, and friends who are coming together across the United Kingdom to mark our coronation… We feel supported and sustained from so many heartfelt good wishes from around the country.”

Newly elected High Sheriff of Birmingham, Wade Lyn, shared his message of hope and unity, stating “We all have the power within us to create a positive change, in our lives and in our community around us.” He added: “Whether it is volunteering in the community, advocating for a cause which you believe in, or simply being a good friend to someone in need; and we can contribute to making the community a better place”.

The Handsworth Community Cohesion Day saw the launch of ‘The Big Help Out,’ where community volunteers could donate to the St Michael’s Church food bank, and join Nishkam SWAT, a charitable organization that serves in local areas and transforms financially disadvantaged communities, in serving hot food and drinks to the homeless communities in Birmingham City Centre.

During the event, it was announced that a special commemorative archway would be erected at the junction of Soho Road and Soho Hill in Handsworth. This archway would not only serve as a symbol of new beginnings, but also serve as a warm invitation to create and seize new opportunities in the area. Speaking on this, Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council said: “To mark the rebirth of this area, the Council has agreed with the Nishkam Centre for a commemorative archway on the Soho Road. This archway will be a gateway not to our proud history but to our collective brighter future”.

Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, Patron of the Nishkam Centre, thanked the dignitaries, adding, “We need peace, and that peace comes when we align ourselves to the King of Kings [God]. Our King at coronation also sought the King of King’s help and assistance. We all need to do this too. If we have no peace, there can be no development. We now have a new King, we need to have a new consciousness – work together, seek peace and look after each other.”

For more information on the event and Nishkam Organisations, please visit www.ncauk.org

ENDS

Press Enquiries:

Name: Ajit Ubhi

Email: info@ncauk.org

Phone: 0121 515 4229

Notes for Editors:

  1.  Nishkam Group of Organisations are;
    • The Gurudwara – spiritual regeneration and peacebuilding,
    • Nishkam Community Co-operative – promoting self-reliance and self-sufficiency for earning livelihood through hard work (kirt),
    • Nishkam Civic Centre – promoting benevolence (parupkar), which won the Queen’s award for volunteering in 2010,
    • Nishkam School Trust – Sikh ethos, Multi-faith, values-led education,
    • Nishkam Health Trust – caring with compassion, helping with humility and listening with love,
    • Elderly accommodation.
  2. The partners on the day, in addition to the Nishkam Group were: St Michael’s Church, St Michael’s C of E Primary School, Department for Work and Pensions, Soho Road BID.
  3. Nishkam SWAT is a charitable organisation based in West London and Midlands that works to unite and transform financially disadvantaged communities by focusing on projects that make a difference to people’s lives in the short term and improve their prospects in the long term. As part of the Handsworth Community Cohesion Day, Nishkam SWAT will be serving hot food and drinks to the homeless communities in Birmingham City Centre as part of The Big Help Out initiative.
  4. Eden Project Communities is a UK-based charity that aims to create a network of community-minded people and organizations across the country. The charity was founded in 2009 and was responsible for creating the Big Lunch initiative in 2009 to encourage communities to come together and share a meal with their neighbours once a year. The aim of the Big Lunch is to help combat social isolation and loneliness, and to build stronger, more resilient communities. The initiative has since grown to become one of the UK’s largest annual get-togethers, with millions of people taking part each year.
Filed Under: National News, Uncategorized

Join Handsworth’s Community Cohesion Day on May 7th, 2023, and Celebrate Peace and Unity

April 25, 2023 by
This years celebration aims to be the biggest yet, engaging all Handsworth communities.
This years celebration aims to be the biggest yet, engaging all Handsworth communities.

Birmingham, UK – Nishkam Organisations is thrilled to announce a historic Handsworth event- the Handsworth Community Cohesion Day on May 7th, 2023. Join residents, community members and leaders, in celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty The King while addressing inequalities and promoting peace and cohesion across the neighbourhood.

The Handsworth Community Cohesion Day is a free event, open to all and will take place on Soho Road, at the Handsworth Job Centre Car Park (Temple Row House), Nishkam Health Centre Car Park, and St Michael’s School (Piers Road) playground from 10 am to 6 pm. Get ready for a day packed with fun activities, including children’s sports and games, art projects with HeARTivism, exhibitions, free health checks, and wellbeing talks. Plus, enjoy performances and presentations, model steam engine rides, a petting zoo, and delicious vegetarian food, drinks, and snacks all day long.

Birmingham City Council Leader Ian Ward and Lord Lieutenant Sir John Crabtree are among the VIP guests who will join us at the Coronation Big Lunch and a special presentation from 1 pm to 3 pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to combat social isolation and loneliness by participating in The Big Lunch initiative, created by the charity Eden Project Communities in 2009.

But that’s not all – the event will also be seeing the launch of ‘The Big Help Out’, where community volunteers can join Nishkam SWAT, a charitable organization that unites and transforms financially disadvantaged communities, in serving hot food and drinks to the homeless communities in Birmingham City Centre.

“We are excited to host the Handsworth Community Cohesion Day” said Ajit Singh, a spokesperson for Nishkam Organisations. “We hope this event will bring people from all walks of life together to celebrate our community’s diversity and work towards creating a more cohesive and peaceful community. Join us and let’s embrace peace through unity.”

We look forward to welcoming the community at the Handsworth Community Cohesion Day on May 7, 2023. For more information on the event and Nishkam Organisations, please visit www.ncauk.org.

ENDS

Press Enquiries:

Name: Ajit Ubhi

Email: info@ncauk.org

Phone: 0121 515 4229

Notes for Editors:

  1. Nishkam Organisations is a UK-based charity with a mission to promote peace, selfless service, and positive action. Nishkam Organisations is thrilled to host the Handsworth Community Cohesion Day in collaboration with key stakeholders, partners, and the people of Handsworth.
  2. Nishkam SWAT is a charitable organisation based in West London and Midlands that works to unite and transform financially disadvantaged communities by focusing on projects that make a difference to people’s lives in the short term and improve their prospects in the long term. As part of the Handsworth Community Cohesion Day, Nishkam SWAT will be serving hot food and drinks to the homeless communities in Birmingham City Centre as part of The Big Help Out initiative.
  3. HeARTivism is an art-based initiative that promotes community engagement and social change through creative expression. At the Handsworth Community Cohesion Day, HeARTivism will offer art projects for children and adults to participate in, with the aim of fostering a sense of unity and encouraging people to work together towards a common goal.
  4. Eden Project Communities is a UK-based charity that aims to create a network of community-minded people and organizations across the country. The charity was founded in 2009 and was responsible for creating the Big Lunch initiative in 2009 to encourage communities to come together and share a meal with their neighbours once a year. The aim of the Big Lunch is to help combat social isolation and loneliness, and to build stronger, more resilient communities. The initiative has since grown to become one of the UK’s largest annual get-togethers, with millions of people taking part each year.
Filed Under: Uncategorized

Nishkam Healthcare Trust celebrates its 10th anniversary

January 13, 2023 by

The leadership of the Nishkam Group had a vision, a dream, a passion to make health more equitable in a deprived inner-city area of Birmingham.  So, 10 years ago the Nishkam Healthcare Trust (NHT), based on Soho Road, Birmingham was launched. The NHT’s proposition is unique – it was not vying to compete with the NHS, but to compassionately complement it and enable services to be more accessible to so many disenfranchised residents who feel out of touch. In line with its values, to mark the momentous occasion of being ONE DECADE old, celebrations will be held on Wednesday 18th January for all, which will include free health checks and the opportunity to speak to dentists, GPs and pharmacists and integrative counsellors about healthy living, and an array of refreshments.

Since its launch in 2013, Nishkam Healthcare Trust has made great strides by innovatively improving the health and wellbeing of its local population in Handsworth, which is in top 1.6% most deprived neighbourhoods in the country. The NHT, which forms part of the Nishkam Group of Organisations, was launched with the ethos of faith-inspired, values-led care embedded in clinical practice, and houses a dental service, pharmacy and mental and emotional wellbeing service for the local community, in order to deliver holistic person-centred care.

Collaboration is key to achieving better equality and making sure no one is left out. Nishkam Healthcare Trust have spent the last decade partnering with national and local healthcare organisations and charities to ensure joined-up thinking. An example of this is the partnership with Modality & Peoples Health Partnership on an innovative project to reduce cardiovascular risk as well to address other social determinants of health. A Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Service offering blood pressure checks and blood glucose testing takes place at Nishkam Pharmacy on a daily basis, and this includes weekly group consultations run by GPs volunteering to serve the local population.

Nishkam Healthcare Trust was launched to address the communication and cultural gap between clinical practitioners and patients, and the motto underlining the services has been ‘Caring with compassion, Helping with humility and Listening with love’. This principle has proved immensely successful with a busy community pharmacy, and a pay-what-you-can-afford dental service designed to appeal to the goodness in humanity and where clinical staff work on a volunteer basis, dedicating their time and expertise to provide high quality expert dental care for our patients. Between January 2022 and June 2022, Nishkam Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Service delivered 189 free sessions of counselling to nearly 40 service users, demonstrating the unique ways in which faith-based organisations can deliver on responsibilities in their local communities.

Dr Manvir Kaur Hayer, Renal Consultant and Chair of Nishkam Healthcare Trust, said, “This is a major landmark for the Nishkam Healthcare team and I am proud to say, they are doing an amazing job. The team goes above and beyond to help improve health outcomes and assist other partners to address deep-rooted health inequalities. The model created is ambitious, innovative and, right now, very much needed. We need greater access into communities, the whole ethos of the Integrated Care System is to do what is being modelled right here in Birmingham – we are trail-blazing as always. I wish all of the Nishkam Healthcare team every success for the coming decades.” On their 10th anniversary celebration event, Nishkam Healthcare Trust are sending an open invitation to all –  no RSVPs are required, just turn up and see what is being done. We look forward to seeing you there.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

On the passing of Pope Benedict, Birmingham’s Sikh community pays condolences and remembers a rich legacy and loving relationship between two major faiths

January 5, 2023 by

As the world’s gaze and an estimated 100,000 Catholics descend on St Peter’s Square for the funeral of the former Pope Benedict XVI, the Sikh community of Birmingham pays condolences and fondly remembers the relationship with the Catholic Church.

It is with heavy heart the world bears witness to the passing of Pope Benedict XVI, who created history by being the first Pope to resign in nearly 600 years and, now in death, becomes the first former pontiff in the modern history of the Catholic Church to be buried by an incumbent Pope. As thousands went to pay their respects, Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh OBE KSG, Spiritual Leader of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) and Patron of the Nishkam Civic Association was amongst the many distinguished guests at the funeral to pay his respects personally.

Photo caption: Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh in attendance at Pope Benedict’s funeral

The relationship between Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh with Pope Benedict XVI was special, historic and will be remembered fondly for many years to come. In April 2012, history was made in the Catholic Church, with the blessings of Pope Benedict XVI, during a special Mass and Investiture at Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham, of Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia and Mr William Ozanne, as Knights of the Pontifical Order of Pope St Gregory the Great. The Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, invested Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh with one of the highest Papal Awards.

Photo caption: Investiture of Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh and Mr William Ozanne as Knights of the Pontifical Order of Pope St Gregory the Great

The Order of St Gregory is normally bestowed on Catholics but in rare cases it is also conferred on non-Catholics in recognition of meritorious service to the Catholic Church and the exceptional example they have set in their communities and country.

Photo caption: Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh with HisHoliness Late Pope John Paul II

The esteemed and respected relationship between GNNSJ and the Pontiff goes back over two decades when the first audience with The Holy See took place during the Christian ‘Year of Jubilation’ in May 2000. This meeting was arranged through the gracious assistance of William Ozanne KSG (Birmingham Archdiocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue).  Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh along with nine members of GNNSJ and one Greek Orthodox Christian, had a historic audience with His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

That was the beginning of a long fruitful relationship and friendship that has been passed down over the last two decades. It has also led to a series of productive dialogues to tackle contemporary issues in society. Through the sharing of knowledge, experience, information and faith wisdom progress has been made to create models of engagement for the betterment of society.

The first audience with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was when Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh attended the Basilica with ten other members of GNNSJ in Sept 2006. This was again graciously facilitated by William Ozanne.

Photo caption: Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh and Bill Ozanne meet with Pope Benedict Sept 2006

Following the resignation of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh was privileged to be part of an international delegation invited to the Papal inauguration of Pope Francis held in March 2013 in St Peter’s Square. 

As we bid farewell to Pope Benedict XVI, we offer prayers and warmest wishes to the departed soul with its onward journey to the Heavenly adobe. We also offer heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community and all those grieving at this moment of loss. We encourage all to pray for the continued strengthening of relationships and collaboration across all faith communities and denominations. As people of faith we must provide exemplar conduct to assist humanity during the challenging times the world faces.

Photo caption: In 2013 an international delegation was invited to attend the Papal inauguration of Pope Francis

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

For more information:

Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh receiving the Papal Knighthood – https://nishkammediacentre.co.uk/a-historic-moment-in-sikh-history-bhai-sahib-mohinder-singh-ji-to-be-created-a-knight-by-the-holy-father-pope-benedict-xvi/

Filed Under: National News, News

International Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation launched at the House of Lords

November 21, 2022 by
Leading experts and participants endorsing the launch of the Peace Charter at Westminster Hall.
Leading experts and participants endorsing the launch of the Peace Charter at Westminster Hall.

HOUSE OF LORDS, LONDON, UK, 21 NOVEMBER 2022 – Developed over a decade of international dialogue and consultation, the Peace Charter for Forgiveness & Reconciliation was launched at the 3rd Peace Forum held on 21 November 2022 at the House of Lords in Westminster, London.  The distinguished venue, at the heart of Westminster democracy, provided a most appropriate backdrop for the innovative Peace Charter that has the potential to be truly transformative..  At the event, the unveiling of its Preamble and 18 Principles were discussed through key sessions that exemplified the Charter’s applicability. In particular, the issues of peacebuilding and climate change were discussed through an alternative lens of forgiveness and reconciliation so that they could be approached to become a pivotal agenda for societies worldwide. 

The launch of the Peace Charter marked the culmination of more than a decade of international consultation, symposia and seminars between profound thinkers and peace practitioners across a spectrum of secular and religious standpoints.  In particular, the event aimed to raise awareness amongst civic leaders and parliamentarians about positive social outcomes where forgiveness and reconciliation are both identified and astutely implemented as core values to guide peace-building processes.    

Peace Charter launched at House of Lords
Peace Charter launched at House of Lords.

During the proceedings, Fiona Bruce MP, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief joined the event hosts, The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, the Lord Bishop of Coventry and Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia OBE KSG, Co-convener of the Peace Charter and spiritual leader of the Sikh faith-based organisation, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha.  Speakers from the dynamic and highly experienced global delegation included: Professor Azza Karam, Secretary General of Religions for Peace International, a key partner for the Peace Charter; Canon Sarah Snyder, Founding Director of the Rose Castle Foundation; His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, the first Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London; Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers; Dr Chinmay Pandya,Pro Vice Chancellor, South Asian Institute of Peace and Reconciliation; and Dr. Carl Stauffer, senior expert on reconciliation for the U.S. Institute of Peace.

‘I commit to continuing to work together to make the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation, a widely known, trusted, and often used framework for engagement in actively building peace in every corner of our world.’ – Professor Azza Karam, Religions for Peace.

‘If ever there was ever an international currency for peace and prosperity in our lives, it would be the currency of values that are sacred to us as humans.  It is this impactful, yet invisible, currency of values that inspires the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation…. As we edge towards a point of no return, a time has come for values and virtues like forgiveness to fully crystallise within our psyches and inform how we partner and plan to meet the unprecedented challenges before us.’ – Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, Co-convenor & Co-Chair, Peace Charter for Forgiveness & Reconciliation.

“I think about peace, forgiveness and reconciliation a lot, both as a personal desire and one for the world. It is encouraging and reassuring to know there is a charter dedicated to these purposes. It feels like a wonderful starting point, a resource and a guide for anyone and everyone, wherever they are in the world, whose aim is to move beyond conflict.” – James Davies, Oxford University, Peace Forum participant.

Ends

View Peace Charter Here

Notes for Editors:

The Peace Charter for Forgiveness & Reconciliation: Inclusive in its mission and development, the Charter has been globally co-created since its conception in 2011 and has travelled across the globe and received significant contribution, consultation, and endorsement from over 100 world religious leaders and humanitarians. It has been shared, discussed and noted by esteemed leaders including the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, Pope Francis, Desmond Tutu, Uhuru Kenyatta (former President of Kenya) and The Rt Hon Theresa May MP, amongst many others.

For further information about the Peace Charter, participant profiles and event proceedings, please contact;

Mr Amrik Singh Bhabra amrik@charterforforgiveness.org

Peace Charter UK headquarters: Nishkam Centre, 6 Soho Rd, Handsworth, Birmingham B21 8JQ

Filed Under: National News

Queens Baton Relay receives spiritual blessing from Birmingham’s multifaith communities

July 28, 2022 by

A demonstration of Community Spirit in abundance was displayed as Birmingham 2022 stages the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – an epic journey across the Commonwealth’s 72 nations and territories, travelling 4,000 kilometres via land, air and sea over a period of 294 days before reaching Handsworth, Birmingham.

Hundreds of members of Handsworth’s and Birmingham’s diverse communities, faith leaders and dignitaries joined together on 28th July 2022 to welcome the Queens Baton Relay (QBR) as it travelled through Soho Road, stopping first at Handsworth Library and then proceeding to the Nishkam Organisations on Soho Road, one of the final landmarks before reaching Alexandra Stadium for the Opening Ceremony for the Commonwealth Games.

Many local community organisations came together to welcome the Baton Relay and created a wonderful family day with many activities for children and adults, these included Legacy West Midlands, New Begin Trust, Children’s Trust, Humanify and many more to shine a light on the amazing communities of Handsworth.

Members of the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group, local faith representatives, Councillors, dignitaries and the community recited a powerful prayer led by Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh OBE KSG, Chairman & Spiritual Leader of the     Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, and Patron of the Nishkam Civic Association.

The prayer epitomised all the Commonwealth Games, QBR and the gathering was all about; peacebuilding, community spirit, unity, empowering and uplifting, camaraderie, gratitude, collaboration and mutual respect.   

On behalf of the communities of this beautiful, super-diverse city of Birmingham

We welcome and pray for all the athletes, organisers and visitors.

We pray for peace and wellbeing for all here in this city, Her Majesty the Queen and all those in the commonwealth countries and the entire globe.

We commit ourselves, in a spirit of friendship and co-operation,

To work together alongside all who share our values and ideals,

To help bring about a better world now and for generations to come.

As we celebrate the commonwealth games, let us give thanks to God Almighty for the wellbeing of all nationally and globally.

The collective multifaith prayer brought a sense of serenity and purpose to the festivities and offered a moment of reflection and blessings for the QBR before it made its way onward, ultimately to the Alexander Stadium.

Bhai Sahib, Mohinder Singh OBE KSG said, “This is an auspicious occasion, we are pleased Prof Geoff Thompson [Deputy Chair for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham] was able to join us. We were honoured that Prof Thompson, requested a prayer and a sacred blessing be done right here at the Gurudwara. Distinguished colleagues from the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group and other local faiths representing the super-diverse city joined us to pray for all involved in the Commonwealth games and beyond – a truly spiritually uplifting and blessed occasion”

“A positive, long term and inspiring legacy of the games is crucial. The dignity of difference must be celebrated, and it is a folly to ignore and neglect any person or part of Creation. We see the exclusion of the weak and disadvantaged continue, we need to stop this. We must accept that economic and social exclusion is a complete denial of human fraternity. This can only be fought by acknowledging and upholding our responsibilities”

The stage was dressed in a monumental Archway. As part of the Queen’s 70th Jubilee celebrations in 2022, The Nishkam Group along with local stakeholders proposed to design and install a landmark archway highlighting the epicentre of the Industrial Revolution (c1740) and the development of the railway networks nationally and internationally (c1830 by George Stephenson).

This archway will provide a gateway to Soho House, and to Handsworth. Through the archway, the values of curiosity, knowledge, innovation, imagination, creativity, and being hopeful and visionary will be encouraged and promoted.

This new landmark archway will stand over Soho Hill where the famous Soho Road and Handsworth begin and will be positioned adjacent to Soho House – Matthew Boulton’s former residence and the epicentre of the industrial revolution. It is hoped that this new project will bring to the for Birmingham’s industrial history and its legacy of the Civic Gospel as well as mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Commonwealth Games.

Prof Geoff Thompson on the day during an interview said, “The games are for everyone and Birmingham’s strength is its diversity, the communities and the location and sometimes I think it is not appreciated. Handsworth is known the world over – wherever I’ve travelled in the world, when in Soweto and I say Handsworth, they recognise and relate to Handsworth because of the diversity but also the life chances and struggles that exist every single day.

So, for me the games truly came alive by the baton coming here. Having organisations like Nishkam bringing in, from a subculture standpoint, the diversity of the community spirit, I’ve witnessed, but above all to bring the multifaith interfaith spirituality; now I believe gives the games the perfect, perfect starting point by which to see 11 days of sporting festival, leave a legacy opportunity for all.

The world attention is on Birmingham and we feel very proud to be part of it 1.2 / 1.3 billion citizens will be watching the Opening Ceremony and then the eyes of the world will be on Birmingham.  Birmingham is ‘the world in one city’ and ‘the Commonwealth is visiting the Commonwealth of Birmingham’.

My only other message will be to the streets. Young people ultimately have to have hope and opportunity whatever their identity, background, whatever they feel they are not getting by way of an opportunity to realise their potential, these games are, and I will be committed in ensuring, that they get a chance to realise all that the games has pledged to provide. We have a Youth Charter that came to Manchester in 2002, to Glasgow 2014, to London 2012 to Birmingham 2022 – be patient, it will be provided.”

Everyone was invited to the Nishkam Heritage Centre to view an amazing exhibition which was created to mark The Queens Jubilee, the Industrial Heritage of Handsworth and map the Journey of Nishkam organisations in Handsworth and globally. The Exhibition was framed as a “Values Revolution” emphasising how essential values and virtues were to human development leading to of cohesive and sustainable communities.

Visitors and dignitaries enjoyed the refreshments that were prepared and served by selfless volunteers and benefitted from the range of activities for children and adults along with the numerous community support organisations who shared important information about the support services they offer for communities.

Filed Under: National News, Nishkam Centre

NishkamSWAT has been supported by Noon Products for several years

December 16, 2021 by

A chilled food manufacturer based in Southall has donated a van to a local charity to help with its distribution of food to those in need.

The new van will help support the homeless

Noon Products Ltd started supporting NishkamSWAT’s community support outreach programme at the time of the Grenfell fire. Noon provided the charity with microwavable ready meals for people while they were waiting to be re-homed.

The relationship between the company and NishkamSWAT has gone from strength to strength and in early 2020, a new initiative started to serve freshly cooked hot food by the Noon chefs.

In 2020, homelessness surpassed 10,000 in London with a 47% increase of 16-to-25-year old’s due to lockdown restrictions. The disappearance of commuters meant that no one was offering money at a time when most soup kitchens were closed and food banks were struggling to keep up with the demand. It was left to a few small groups of volunteers to provide thousands of meals a week through such a difficult year.

Noon wanted to make an increased commitment to the partnership and decided to donate the co-branded chilled van to NishkamSWAT to help even further with the distribution of food. The van was formally handed over at Noon Products Ltd, Windmill Lane on 24 November. Both parties are looking forward to developing their relationship and building an even stronger community support network.

Randeep S Lall, CEO of NishkamSWAT said, ‘We are so grateful to the amazing team at Noon, they have been supporting us for many years and always step up when the homeless community is in need as well as children and families in poverty, no questions asked. During the first COVID-19 lockdown, Noon served tens of thousands of meals to NHS Staff Members and Free School Meals to children as well as the homeless and elderly. Sumit and his team go above and beyond their call of duty. We feel so fortunate to have such a prestigious company on board as a Charity Partner.’

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Nishkam Civic Association Chairman appointed Patron

June 2, 2021 by

The board of trustees of Nishkam Civic Association (NCA) has appointed Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia as Patron and member of the charity.  Otherwise known with affectionate regard as Bhai Sahib Ji, he is the founder of the NCA and served as its chairman for twenty years, directing the construction of the £7.5m iconic building adjacent to the Gurudwara on Soho Road, Handsworth in Birmingham. His visionary leadership and selfless service ensured the development of NCA as one of the leading civic engagement and community centres serving Birmingham and the West Midland region.

Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh KSG OBE Patron and member, NCA Board

Bhai Sahib Ji is highly regarded for his unstinting work over thirty years to promote peace and social regeneration through building innovative partnerships between multireligious and secular organisations to contribute to the common good. 

Some sixty years of his life have been dedicated to revitalising the understanding and practice of faith in changing contemporary contexts and to stimulating grassroots change within communities at large in the UK, Kenya, Zambia and India, as well as more globally.

The award-winning £7.5m Nishkam Civic Association (NCA) building was constructed with a £2.5m ERDF grant, £1.5m voluntary in-kind contribution and £3.5m from GNNSJ. NCA aims to engage positively with government within the civic context of rights and responsibilities to promote community cohesion; facilitate environmental enhancement; and economic regeneration. 

On his appointment, Bhai Sahib Ji said: “I was delighted to be asked to become a Patron and member of the NCA and accepted without hesitation. The NCA is at the forefront of advancing community and economic wellbeing; promoting interfaith, intercultural, intercommunity dialogue; and championing social justice and inclusion.  To deliver its mission, NCA has embedded within its policies the values of active volunteering and selfless service for the benefit of local and regional communities.”

The NCA board of trustees has appointed Prof Upkar Singh Pardesi OBE as its Chairman and Shaminder Singh Rai as Vice-Chair.  Prof Pardesi has served as the board’s Vice-Chair since 2005 and Mr Rai has chaired the trust’s Finance and General Purposes Committee. The board also recently announced Amrick Singh Ubhi’s appointment to the post of Director of Nishkam Civic Engagement and Partnerships and Ajit Singh to the post of NCA Director.

Prof Upkar Singh Pardesi and Shaminder Singh Rai

Jarnail Singh Bhinder, NCA Trustee, said, “We are honoured to have Bhai Sahib Ji as patron at a time of change and uncertainty facing the voluntary sector. We have been hard at work, shaping a bold strategy for NCA’s future civic and community engagement, inclusion and education programmes to enrich communities when it matters the most; we aim to help local communities and businesses to rebuild after the long, dark months of lockdown. With the announcement of Bhai Sahib Ji as our Patron alongside the recent new appointments, NCA is well placed to lead the resurgence of our work for all our local and regional communities.”

ENDS

For further information, or to arrange interviews, please contact Amrick Singh Ubhi, Director of Nishkam Civic Engagement and Partnership at amrick.ubhi@ncauk.org or mobile: 07771 817484

Notes to Editors

The Nishkam Civic Association (NCA), fondly known as the Nishkam Centre, is a unique organisation charged with the task of developing a dynamic Sikh faith-inspired civic agenda. It is one of the key Centres for Excellence founded by Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, a Sikh faith-based organisation dedicated to nishkam sewa (active, selfless volunteering) to serve the common good.  It is part of the Nishkam Group that is made up of the spiritual centre (the Gurudwara), the community cooperative – MSS (Marg Sat Santokh, meaning ‘path of truth and contentment’), the Nishkam School Trust and the Nishkam Healthcare Trust.

Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia is recognised as a greatly respected and influential international leader within the Sikh Dharam, or faith, by the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex organisation for some 26 million Sikhs worldwide.  It is from this Committee that he received the official dharmic title of ‘Bhai Sahib’, making him one of the first British Sikhs to receive such an honour in 2010. The term Bhai means ‘brother’ and Sahib means ‘leader’ or ‘one worthy of respect’ – making him a brotherly leader amongst the larger family of Sikhs. As a visionary leader, Bhai Sahib embraces the concepts of values-driven education and interfaith cooperation as tools to forge a lasting and sustainable peace.  Propelling this forward is the principle of seeing humanity as one family, and the light of the Creator in all, which is embedded in the heart of the Sikh worldview.  Bhai Sahib Ji was awarded an OBE in 2013 for his work in the fields of community cohesion, peace-building and interfaith.  He is also the first Sikh recipient of the Papal Knighthood of St. Gregory the Great (KSG).

Filed Under: National News, Nishkam Centre
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